A NEW public art strategy set to go before the City of Fremantle next week puts a strong spotlight on boosting representation for First Nations and underrepresented artists, with community backing firmly behind the shift.

Consultation with more than 725 people found “93 per cent of survey respondents either support or somewhat support the Public Art Strategy 2025-35,” alongside clear calls for change in whose stories are told.

Feedback showed support for “greater representation of First Nations, female and underrepresented artists and subjects,” while the strategy itself is “rooted in a deep respect for First Nations culture, grounded in contemporary practice, and inviting innovation.”

Community members also expressed a “strong desire for site-responsive public art that reflects Fremantle’s layered history, stories, landscapes and evolving identity,” noting it is “important not to oversimplify or permanently fix contested/differing cultural meanings”.

The plan aims to address gaps in the city’s collection, including “First Nations representation, female artists, and suburban locations”.

A key early initiative will be to deliver the long-overdue First Nations artwork Kaarl Boyak Naariny in Walyalup Koort, alongside broader efforts to support emerging creatives, with “85 per cnet of respondents consider City investment in opportunities for local and emerging artists either very important or important”.

Council officers say the strategy “champions public art that is thought-provoking, site-responsive, inclusive and alive to possibility,” and will keep “creativity at the heart of public life.”

Putting some renewed vigour into Fremantle’s arts community was one of mayor Ben Lawver’s campaign platforms in last year’s elections.